Neighbors use history to fight for preservation

Independence Heights has a rich history with houses reflecting both the prosperity of the 1920s as well as the economic difficulties associated with The Great Depression and World War II.

By Photos by Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

on April 5, 2014 6:25 PM

Photo: Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle

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Charles Piper, left, talks with Tanya Debose outside his home which is both Federally and locally protected on the National Register in the Independence Heights area, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston. The neighborhood has a rich history with houses reflecting both the prosperity of the 1920s as well as the economic difficulties associated with The Great Depression and World War II. less

Charles Piper, left, talks with Tanya Debose outside his home which is both Federally and locally protected on the National Register in the Independence Heights area, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston. The ... more

Ruth Jackson looks at a cast-iron kettle her mother used to make soap outside her house on 31 1/2 Street, a continuous block of 1930s-era homes, in the Independence Heights that is protected from development and on the National and Local Historic District, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston. less

Ruth Jackson looks at a cast-iron kettle her mother used to make soap outside her house on 31 1/2 Street, a continuous block of 1930s-era homes, in the Independence Heights that is protected from development ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

Ruth Jackson looks at a cast-iron kettle her mother used to make... Photo-6124329.83343 - Houston Chronicle

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A commemorative plaque telling the story of the Independence Heights area, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston.

A commemorative plaque telling the story of the Independence Heights area, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

A commemorative plaque telling the story of the Independence... Photo-6124330.83343 - Houston Chronicle

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Doyle Johnson, left to right, David Williams and Ruth Jackson are residents of 31 1/2 Street a continuous block of 1930s-era homes in the Independence Heights that is protected from development and on the National and Local Historic District, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston. less

Doyle Johnson, left to right, David Williams and Ruth Jackson are residents of 31 1/2 Street a continuous block of 1930s-era homes in the Independence Heights that is protected from development and on the ... more

Ruth Jackson poses for a portrait in her house on 31 1/2 Street, a continuous block of 1930s-era homes in the Independence Heights that is protected from development and on the National and Local Historic District, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Houston. less

Ruth Jackson poses for a portrait in her house on 31 1/2 Street, a continuous block of 1930s-era homes in the Independence Heights that is protected from development and on the National and Local Historic ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

Ruth Jackson poses for a portrait in her house on 31 1/2 Street, a... Photo-6124333.83343 - Houston Chronicle

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Clarance Simmons trims the grass in front of a house on 31 1/2 Street.

Clarance Simmons trims the grass in front of a house on 31 1/2 Street.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

Clarance Simmons trims the grass in front of a house on 31 1/2 Street. Photo-6124334.83343 - Houston Chronicle

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Yolanda Montgomery, right, watches her grandson August, 1, play in front of her home on 31 1/2 Street.

Yolanda Montgomery, right, watches her grandson August, 1, play in front of her home on 31 1/2 Street.